Take a Hike!

Hiking is a great way to boost your physical and mental health. Depending on an individual’s body weight, a person can burn up to 500 calories per hour. Not only is hiking great exercise, but spending time outdoors allows you to connect with nature which can also help reduce feelings of depression. Because there is an abundance of hills in LA and Orange County, there are also many hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, making it easy for beginners to get started with this great outdoor activity.  Below is a list of popular hiking areas near PIH Health.

Furman Park Walking Trail

Address: 10419 Rives Ave. Downey, CA 90241
Difficulty: Level 1, Easy
Miles: 1
Duration: 30 minutes
Terrain: Flat paved trail

Greenway Walking Trail

Address: 5703 Palm Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602
Difficulty: Level 1, Easy
Miles: 4.5
Duration: 1.5 hours
Terrain: Flat paved trail

Arroyo Pescadero Trail

Address: 7531 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA 90602
Difficulty: Level 2, Easy
Miles: 2.5
Duration: 1.5 hours
Terrain: Mostly paved

Murphy Ranch Park

Address: 16200 Las Cumbres Dr. Whittier, CA 90603
Difficulty: Level 2, Easy
Miles: 1.5
Duration: 1 hour
Terrain: Wilderness trail in Friendly Hills area with gradual inclines

Turnbull Canyon

Address: Turnbull Canyon Road, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, USA
(Beverly Blvd. turns into Turnbull Canyon Rd. Trailhead is just past Beverly Hills Dr. on the Left)
Difficulty: Level 4, Moderate
Miles: 4
Duration: 2 hours
Terrain: Good inclines with some stress on further distance

Hellman Wilderness Park

Address: 5700 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier, CA 90601
Difficulty: Level 5, Moderate (not for beginners)
Miles: 4.75
Duration: 3 hours
Terrain: Trail has hills with quick gain and steep incline

Peter F. Scharbarum Regional Park, Powder Canyon

Address: 17250 Colima Rd. Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Difficulty: Level 6, Moderate (not for beginners)
Miles: 4.75
Duration: 2.5 hours
Terrain: Simple switchbacks and distance increase. Endurance and Stamina required.

Remember to:

• Start slow and gradually work up to more advanced trails.
• Bring a buddy.
• Familiarize yourself with the trail map and follow marked paths and trails.
• Watch out for wildlife. Keep your distance back away slowly, and do not run.
• Stay hydrated.
• Wear appropriate clothing footwear.